Most trips within the Netherlands can be day trips if you plan them accordingly, so I could have listed every place in the Netherlands reachable by train from Enschede. Also of note: in my opinion, it’s much better to rent a bike, a so-called OV-fiets, from the station than just using the usual modes of public transport, such as the tram or the bus. OV-fiets bikes are cheap, especially for a day trip (at just € 4,55), and you’ll never want any other public transport once you have a trusty bike by your side.
1. Gronau
Located a half-hour bike ride from Enschede, Gronau is a really close German town to the East of Enschede (perks of living super close to the border, I suppose). Going to Gronau by bike is the definition of a day trip: you can take some really scenic routes and experience a great deal of nature on your bike, there’s a nice free zoo you can visit for an hour or two (with wallabies/kangaroos!), and there’s comparatively cheaper food available. I recently went and visited some of the parks, explored the little city square, paid the zoo a visit, and of course ate some nice food at the end (a little Asian restaurant called Asia Haus, really good food) all in the span of around 5 hours, including the journey. If you’re planning on going here to check out some of Germany, then going by bike is a must. Perfect for a short day trip.
2. Bad Bentheim
While you could technically cycle the 20 kilometers from Enschede, I’d really just take the train if I were you. Bad Bentheim is a small town near the border, actually quite close to Gronau, and you can take a train from either Enschede or Hengelo if you live closer. A must see in Bad Bentheim is its famous castle, the Bentheim Castle, as well as the town’s various churches and gothic architecture. If you want to look at gorgeous buildings, indulge in a town’s rich history, and see a bit more of Germany, then Bad Bentheim’s the ideal day trip to make. You could also make this trip if you’re already in Gronau and want to bike a bit further ;).
3. Münster
Another German entry, though this time I would implore you to take the train (unless you really want to bike, of course). Münster is, I would say, the closest ‘proper’ German city, with a bustling population and a university. There’s lots to do here: from gazing at architecture and exploring the city, to experiencing Münster’s night life – if there’s one thing I’m sure of, you definitely won’t get bored of Münster. You could take a stroll along the Prinzipalmarkt and ogle at the gabled buildings, then make your way to St. Lambert’s Church a bit further along and view the inside, and finally wander about the Rathaus (town hall). I would recommend stopping by the rooftop cafe, called ‘1648’, for a little break between exploring the city – aside from some nice coffee, the cafe offers a gorgeous panoramic view of the historic city. If you get the chance to visit the city during Christmas time, then the Münster Christmas Markets are a must visit.
4. Deventer
Really, any city in the Netherlands is a day trip, so you can’t go wrong with any of them – one of the advantages of living in a small yet well-connected country. However, Deventer is around an hour away from Enschede, so enough to sightsee and be back in time for dinner. One of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, Deventer offers a beautiful skyline, a gorgeous pedestrian area in De Brink, and some of the coziest shops I’ve ever been in. In addition, Deventer is apparently famous for its cookies, which I’m ashamed to say have not yet tried. If you’re a fan of writing and books, Deventer also hosts the Deventer Bookmarket (usually on the first Sunday of August), one of Europe’s biggest book fairs, which is fitting for a city so historically important for its printing businesses. If you want to change things up a little and get away from Enschede for just a little bit, Deventer is perfect.
5. Zwolle
About half an hour away from Deventer is Zwolle, the transport hub of the Eastern Netherlands – you’re well connected to just about every major city if you find yourself in Station Zwolle. However, if you want to check out the city, you’re in luck – Zwolle is gorgeous. If you have a bit of time, you can rent a boat and sightsee the city from its canals and check out the inner city right after. There’s a great bookstore called Van der Velde, which is located in a church and also serves as a cafe. Zwolle is well-known for its restaurants – why not treat yourself and have a picturesque dinner by the city center, where you can also gaze at the magnificent Grote Kerk? From museums and architecture-marvelling to shopping, Zwolle is always a place I look forward to visiting.
6. Het Rutbeek
Famous among students, Het Rutbeek is a lake in the South of Enschede. I know, I know, it’s in Enschede, but it’s far enough from the city that you can officially call it a day trip if you decide to go there. Go by bike, and not by taxi (you know exactly who you are), and you’ll be treated by a really nice route filled with greenery and nature. Once you’re in Het Rutbeek, you can do your typical lake activities: go for a swim, play ball by the shore, and have a nice big barbecue with your friends. It’s especially nice in the summer, so grab your friends and drag them to Het Rutbeek!
So there you have it! Grab the opportunity for a trip now while the school year is over. Hopefully you have a great day in any location you choose for a day trip!
